Skydome

dallasmovietheaters on November 10, 2020 at 11:26 am

It might be noted that the Skydome had little in common with Springfield’s Air-Dome (1906-1908) and the Airdome (1909-1914) on East Walnut. Both were open live theaters which never were used for any cinematic purposes. But for the curious about those locations, here is some information.

Air-Dome had opened as a summer location for the Diemer Theatre four blocks away and was located in the former Central Park showgrounds. B.J. Diemer’s opening play was “For Love and Honor” on June 17, 1906. The open air theater ran three summer seasons with live plays ending in September of 1908.

Airdome on East Walnut was opened by the Bell, Olendorf & Ballard Amusement Circuit out of Kansas that purportedly programmed as many as 73 such airdomes and tent shows in the central states. Airdome launched with live shows on May 17, 1909 after a two-day weather delay with “The Great White Way.” Across the street was Fink’s Theater Pharmacy which served as the de facto concession stand with full soda fountain and candy options for patrons. Airdome ran six seasons through September 13, 1914 deciding not to reopen for Summer of 1915. Both Skydome and Airdome were demolished in 1915.